Smörgåsbord

Over the last few days I have indulged in some of the things that make me happy. Art, food, Maine and friends! Here is what I’ve been up to…

1. Earlier this week I was browsing Etsy and on a whim searched for “paint by numbers”. I’ve had a love of paint by numbers for some time, so when I found this lovely set of lighthouse paintings from Johnny Vintage I splurged and bought it. I am thrilled every time I walk through my dinning room! Picture via Johnny Vintage

2. Is there anything better than a warm, homemade ginger snap cookie? I know it’s hard to envision, but yes there is! I just baked off a batch of my grandmother’s classic ginger snaps and got just a little creative with some ice cream. A scoop of French vanilla ice cream between two cookies makes for a share-worthy sandwich. My boyfriend and I polished off our ginger snap ice cream sandwich in record time with an accompanying glass of milk. What a marvelous way to enjoy warm homemade cookies!

3. Enjoying the seasonal foliage in the rain.

4. One night after work when all the shops and boutiques in Portland, ME were closed and sleeping, I popped into the city for a stroll and some window-shopping. I especially love the old cobblestone streets around the city, and here on Wharf Street.

5. That same night I grabbed a bite to eat with some friends at Portland Lobster Co. Despite the cold, rainy October evening we thoroughly enjoyed our heated tent on the wharf overlooking the waterfront.

Monhegan Island Part III

It took me three summers but I finally made it to the Monhegan Museum at the lighthouse! I was absolutely blown away by the rich history that had been documented over the years and the beautiful artifacts and artworks inside the lighthouse walls. I clicked my way through the whole exhibit and as you can see I really struggled to edit my collection down…

(The above beautiful flower wreath was made by a woman                                          who collected feathers from around the island.)

A little summer getaway

This Wednesday morning I am headed off shore for my big summer vacation. I will board the Hardy Boat out of New Harbor and will arrive on Monhegan Island. I will pack my oil paints and easel and spend 5 peaceful days hiking and painting all over the island. Stop back next week for some show and tell!

1. I will be catching up on some reading from my most recent issues of Maine magazine. 2. I would love to jump into this Scalloped Stripes Dress for the boat ride. 3. JCrew’s twisted bandeau tank swimsuit would be perfect for cooling off at the beach. 4. I will be writing some notes with my greeting cards. 5. Oil Paints 6. I can’t forget the French easel! 7. L.L.Bean Signature’s Downeaster Sport Canvas Bag would be a perfect overnight bag! 8. I’ll be packing my Nikon.

Painted Wedding Card

We went to a friend’s wedding and for our card I painted a little cake with a bride and groom on top with color and pattern inspiration from their wedding invitation. The best part was I guessed that the groom would be in a gray suit and he was! A fun celebration even with the rain drops!

sally king benedict

While browsing Pinterest one sunny afternoon I discovered the beautiful work of Sally King Benedict. I was immediately drawn to her brilliant palette matched with her stunning color blocking and delicate layering of paint drips and drawing. I am in love with the incredible light and motion she captures in her pieces.

You can view her full collection of works here.

AERIAL VIEW 54x60 acrylic and guache on canvas - 2011

COOL WATER 36x48 oil, acrylic, and guache on canvas-framed - 201

FOUR CORNERS 48X72 mixed media on canvas - 2011

POP ROCKS 48x48 acrylic, guache, and graphite on canvas - 2011

Monhegan Part II

Here are a few more shots from my summer escape to beautiful Monhegan a couple weeks ago. Fingers crossed I make it back this fall!

Monhegan Part I

This year I had the fortune of visiting Monhegan twice! I went for a long weekend and returned the following weekend to soak up a bit more of the magic. Below are a few photos to get started.

A truly enchanting place, Monhegan is like nowhere else. My days were filled with hiking through the woods to the edges of the island across the cliffs, painting and making trips into town to the black duck for a refreshing drink. At night we played games, read and took walks past the meadow for lighting bug shows on our way up to the lighthouse to overlook the glowing town. To be on Monhegan is to slow the world down and enjoy some of life’s simplest joys. 

Ram Island Light

I just finished a painting of the view from my father’s front porch overlooking the channel to Portland Harbor and Ram Island Light. This is one of my most favorite places in the world. The view never looks the same yet has a comforting familiarity each time I come to visit.

birch book

I was on the search for a scrapbook and after much hunting gave up. I could not find a book that had a clean and modern design so off to the HomeDepot I went! They really do mean “you can do it, we can help!” I selected a large sheet of birch plywood and with my measurements in hand had the pieces cut down.  At home I glued the canvas hinge strips to the covers and spine panels and then loaded the scrapbook pages onto stainless steel screws. I finished the cover with a hand painted polyurethane graphic. When you tilt the book in the right light you can see the design but tilt it again and it disappears. A fun and easy project for a scrapbook or portfolio.

 

hand painted wrapping paper

My dear friends Dave and Tricia  just tied the knot. For their wedding present I decided that I wanted to spice up the wrapping. They were inspired by their love of the mountains and sea for their wedding decor, so I thought I would take nature and dress it up a bit. I used brown craft paper, cream acrylic paint and hand painted an organic wood grain pattern. The package was finished off with a thick black bow and cut initial heart tag.